Chelsea Transfer News: Latest Rumours on Antonio Rudiger and Branislav Ivanovic

Roma defender Antonio Rudiger has rubbished speculation linking him with a move to Chelsea.

The Germany international is rated as one of the best centre-back prospects in European football and impressed in Serie A last term. Subsequently, talk about a potential move to the Premier League has surfaced, although 23-year-old has insisted he’s keen to remain in the Italian capital.

“I don't want to know anything about it,” he said of the exit rumours, per Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Ben Gladwell of ESPN FC). “I'm staying here and that is that.”

Per the Daily Mail (h/t Greg Mitchinson of ESPN FC) the Blues are said to be keen on improving their defence in the January window with the acquisition of the former Stuttgart man, who is reportedly valued at a whopping £35 million.

After a very positive first season with Roma, Rudiger has missed most of the current campaign. He suffered an anterior cruciate ligament problem towards the end of 2015-16, meaning he also sat out the summer’s UEFA European Football Championship. Here’s a look at what the Germany international can offer when he’s at his very best.

In positive news for the Giallorossi, Rudiger has recently returned to the XI following this long-term layoff and made his first start of the season against Empoli on October 30.

It’s easy to see why Chelsea are said to want the centre-back. Rudiger is young, athletic and dynamic in his defensive duties. In addition, his versatility—he’s also played as a left-back for Roma at times—would make him an ideal fit for the three-man defence that manager Antonio Conte builds his sides on.

However, it seems as though Rudiger is content with Roma, who in turn will be relying on the German to help them challenge for the Serie A title. After such a serious injury, making another significant transfer would be a major gamble for the defender and as such, the Blues will surely have to turn their attention elsewhere.

Branislav Ivanovic Linked to Juventus

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Juventus have joined the race to sign Chelsea veteran Branislav Ivanovic, according to Tuttosport (h/t Goal.com).

The Serbia international has endured a rapid decline in form over the past couple of campaigns and has been pushed to the fringes of the Blues squad. It’s noted in the report that the Bianconeri are ready to capitalise on the situation and will rival the likes of Crystal Palace and AC Milan for the 32-year-old.

Ivanovic was taken out of the side by Conte for Chelsea’s 2-0 win at Hull City, having lost the previous game 3-0 to Arsenal. As noted by Football 365’s Daniel Storey, since switching to a new 3-4-3 system, the Blues haven’t looked back.

Indeed, after a trophy-laden, eight-year spell at Stamford Bridge, Ivanovic’s Blues career does look to be coming to an end.

GLYN KIRK/Getty Images

The versatile defender was formerly one of the most aggressive and authoritative players in the Premier League, operating at the centre or on the right flank of the defence. However, that combative brand of football looks to have taken its toll on the Serbia man.

With his contract up at the end of the season, Ivanovic could feasibly discuss terms with Juventus over a pre-contract from January. However, with Giorgio Chiellini, Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci, Mehdi Benatia and Daniele Rugani already on their books, the Italian champions are well stocked in defensive positions.